Get Guardian on GoogleIndigenes of Uzere community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State have commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing free comprehensive emergency medical services to residents who may have developed health complications following the recent gas leakage in the oil-producing community.
The residents described the intervention as timely and people-oriented, expressing appreciation to the governor for responding to their health concerns through the deployment of a large medical team to the community.
The medical outreach, which commenced at the Uzere Community Hall, involves more than 100 medical personnel equipped with modern medical facilities to conduct comprehensive medical examinations, diagnose possible health complications and provide treatment to affected residents.
The exercise is expected to run until Thursday, with the medical team offering a wide range of free healthcare services, including surgical operations, dental care, eye examinations, laboratory investigations and free medications.
Speaking during the commencement of the exercise, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed that Governor Oborevwori specifically directed the Ministry of Health to mobilise medical personnel to Uzere following an assessment of the gas leakage and its possible health implications for residents.
Onojaeme explained that the intervention was designed to identify, examine and treat community members who might have developed health complications as a result of exposure to the gas leakage.
According to him, the governor’s directive reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting the health and welfare of communities affected by environmental incidents, particularly those living in oil and gas-producing
areas.
He further disclosed that a similar directive had earlier been issued for Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area following an oil spill, stressing that the government was concerned about the health consequences of environmental pollution on residents.
In a media chat with our correspondent, the head of the medical team, Dr James Ogbo, disclosed that medical personnel had commenced identifying and documenting patients requiring surgical interventions.
He explained that identified surgical cases were being compiled and subjected to necessary pre-operative investigations and assessments ahead of the commencement of surgical procedures scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.
Ogbo said the team was prepared to handle various categories of surgical cases as part of the comprehensive medical services being provided during the exercise.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the free medical services as a welcome relief at a time when concerns over the possible health consequences of the gas leakage had heightened anxiety in the community.
Miss Praise Bernard, an SS1 student of Uzere Grammar School, commended Governor Oborevwori for bringing medical services to the community, praying for God’s continued blessings upon him.
Similarly, Mr Lawrence Odioko, a retired staff member of Isoko South Local Government Council, praised the governor for what he described as a demonstration of compassion and concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Odioko said the intervention had shown that the governor was a leader who had the feelings of the people at heart, adding that the medical outreach would provide relief to residents who might otherwise struggle to access specialised healthcare services
